Met Éireann Status Orange - Wind Warning - Storm Isha

A Met Éireann Status Orange Wind Warning for Cork (and much of the rest of the country) will come into effect at 5pm on Sunday evening 21st January and will remain in effect until 2am Monday morning 22nd January. A Status Yellow Wind Warning will also be in effect for Ireland from 11am on Sunday morningto 4am on Monday morning.

Storm Isha will track to the northwest of Ireland on Sunday into Sunday night, bringing very strong winds and some heavy rain.Very strong southwest winds with severe and damaging gustsare forecasted together with large coastal waves with wave overtopping, very difficult travelling conditions, fallen trees and possible damage to power lines.

While currently in a period of neap tides but due to the forecasted storm surge, high seas, and strong winds, a High Tide Advisory has been issued. High waves, heavy rain and storm surge may lead to wave overtopping and the possibility of coastal flooding.

Cork County Council's Severe Weather Assessment Team convened today in response to these weather warnings and to review preparations. Council response crews and contractors are on standby.

Members of the public are advised to stay high, stay dry and stay away from the coast, rivers and lakes. With strong gusts and high waves predicted, people are urged to refrain from visiting coastal or mountainous areas.

Cork County Council wishes to advise road users to be aware of the danger posed by high winds. Driving conditions may be hazardous with some spot flooding possible in any bursts of heavy rain.

Issues such as fallen trees, flooding and road damage should be reported to the relevant local area office during working hours or contact the Council’s Emergency Out of Hours number (021) 4800048 (5pm-9am & weekends & bank holidays). Please click the button below for contact details for the Council’s Area Offices or by contacting Cork County Council Headquarters on (021) 4276891.

The high winds may give rise to localised power outages. In the event of a disruption to power supply, please contact ESB Networks at 1800 372 999. Fallen or grounded wires should be avoided, and the public are advised to call ESB in assisting with the identification of fallen wires.

In the event of a disruption to water supply, please contact Uisce Eireann at 1800 278 278.

In the event of an emergency call 999 or 112 and request the Fire Service, Ambulance Service, Gardaí or Irish Coastguard as appropriate. DO NOT assume others will do this.

Cork County Council is urging people to pay particular attention to the following:

At Home – Before the Storm

• Tie down loose items outside that cannot be brought in.
• Have a torch, spare batteries and a battery radio ready.
• Stay indoors –and keep pets in.
• Clear windowsills and close curtains to protect against flying glass.
• If gas, electricity or water supplies are cut off, contact, if possible, the relevant services.
• Stay connected with family and neighbours especially people living alone.

At Home – After the Storm

• As soon as it is safe, rope off or protect damaged areas to prevent injury from falling masonry, roof tiles or broken glass.

Cork County Council’s Severe Weather Assessment will continue to monitor this situation.

Weather updates are available at www.met.ie and further information on how to Be Winter Ready can be found by clicking the button below. Cork County Council will continue to provide updates on this site and across the Council’s social media channels (@Corkcoco).